Colonel John D. Folsom, USMCR

Colonel Folsom has 29 years of commissioned service, the initial six years of active duty as a CH-46E helicopter pilot and 23 years in the reserve component. His service has included a contingency deployment to Beirut, Lebanon. Two deployments to Iraq in support of Operation “Iraqi Freedom” During his first deployment to Iraq, Colonel Folsom initially served as the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) liaison officer to II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) until assuming duties as the “Air Boss” at Forward Operating Base Camp Korean Village near Ar Rutbah, Iraq. In this billet, Colonel Folsom was in charge of all Marine attack and army MEDEVAC helicopter operating in his area of operations.
Colonel Folsom’s military decorations include the Navy-Marine Corps Medal for heroism, the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service medals awarded for his meritorious service in support of Operation “Iraqi Freedom”.